Rehabilitation & Other Therapies

Cancer Rehabilitation Program

Our current cancer program includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which have continued to increase the survival rate. However, patients may experience physical changes following these common treatments for cancer care. These physical complications may include scar tissue formation, myofascial pain, decrease in mobility, lymphedema and fatigue. The side effects of treatment may interfere with normal daily activities.

Experienced staff

Rehab therapists at Aurora BayCare Medical Center are specially trained to meet the needs of patients undergoing or have completed cancer treatment. Our team strives to provide effective and compassionate care in collaboration with your physicians.

The Rehab team consists of the following:

  • Speech-Language Pathologist. A speech-language pathologist can help with aspects of communication such as expression, comprehension, voice and cognition. The speech-language pathologist also assesses and treats impairments in chewing and swallowing.
  • Occupational Therapist. An occupational therapist can help you perform the activities of your daily life. This includes tasks in the home, outside the home, and things done on the job.
  •  Physical Therapist. A physical therapist can help with walking, balance, range of motion, and strength. They can also treat problems with swelling such as lymphedema, scar tissue management, postural problems, incontinence and painful intercourse.
  • Massage Therapist. A specially trained massage therapist uses the healing power touch to stimulate the body's natural healing and defense mechanisms. This form of therapeutic touch uses a gentle pressure and specialized techniques for those who have compromised immune systems that are challenged by infection or cancer.

Individualized treatment

Your therapy is individualized and tailored to your specific needs, as determined through a comprehensive evaluation. This initial visit would also include education about your care and other services available. Additional visits will be recommended to treat limitations in activity or range of motion and to address pain and/or swelling.

Cancer rehabilitation may improve quality of life by:

  • Reducing pain and scar tissue formation by massage, range of motion and pain management techniques.
  • Improving physical condition and performance levels through exercise programs that help to build strength, endurance, and mobility.
  • Providing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, using the toilet, cooking, and basic housekeeping.
  • Managing lymphedema (swelling of the leg or arm), which can occur when lymph nodes are removed or damaged at your underarm or groin during surgery or radiation.
  • Providing a holistic approach of massage to encourage healing in all dimensions: body, mind and spirit. Education provided in therapy will enhance your progress by:
  • Reducing interruptions in sleep with body positioning, relaxation techniques and aromatherapy
  • Maximizing physical strengths to compensate for limitations with energy conservation techniques
  •  Reducing dependency on caretakers in the home and fostering independence
  • Discussing lymphedema prevention and precaution strategies

Other services are available to meet your needs as you progress through your cancer rehab. You can speak with your physician about a referral to any of the following:

  • Dietary. Nutritional counseling to improve dietary habits.
  • Smoking Cessation. Education and support provided through the Quit Assist Hotline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
  • Behavioral Health. Patient and family education and counseling on stress, anxiety, and depression management to improve social, emotional, and mental functioning.
  • Pain Management. Treatment options to address ongoing pain that may result from surgery and/or radiation.